USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences

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USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences

Putting passion into practice.

At the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES), we prepare educators, leaders, counselors and therapists to transform communities and build a more just, inclusive and inspired world.

09/01/2026

Time is running out to join ARISE 2026 | Empower. Connect. Transform.

From September 15–18, join accomplished women of color in San Diego for a one-of-a-kind leadership experience — featuring inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, meaningful networking and cultural immersion designed just for you. You'll receive a certificate upon completion, honoring this step forward in your leadership journey.

This is your last chance to register — don't wait! The final deadline for participant registration is September 4 at 4 p.m. PDT.

Link to save your spot: https://hubs.la/Q04w7FVF0

08/31/2026

What does it actually feel like to go through a leadership coaching certificate program? We asked our graduates.

From nonprofit executives to physicians to consultants, our alumni describe the same thing: they came in already accomplished — and left with a completely different way of leading, listening, and showing up for the people around them.

Swipe through to hear directly from four graduates of the USD Leadership Coaching Certificate Program.

📅 Registration for our September cohort closes September 8, with classes starting September 18.
✔️ Dual accreditation (ICF Level 2 + CCE/BCC), embedded at no extra cost.
✔️ Small, in-person cohort.

Ready to see where this could take your career? Apply before Sept. 8 https://hubs.la/Q04vztSq0

08/28/2026

🌟 Applications are open!

The University of San Diego's School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) is ready to help you grow, lead and make an impact.
Our graduate programs prepare students to become thoughtful, effective leaders in education, counseling and beyond.

📚 Ready to take the next step? Explore our graduate programs and apply today: https://hubs.la/Q04vKy1D0

08/21/2026

Six Toreros have been recognized by the University of San Diego as part of this year’s cohort of Alumni Honors. Each honoree reflects USD’s bold vision to confront humanity’s urgent challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love.

Meet Susan Antolin, EdD '16 (MEd), USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences alumna, Executive Director of Women for Afghan Women (WAW) and Emerging Leader Award recipient. This award is presented annually to an alumnus/alumna who graduated ten or more years ago, has achieved significant professional success, and has made a positive impact on their organization, industry, profession, and/or community. Join us in congratulating Susan and visit the USD News Center for the full list of honorees.

2026 Alumni Honors Recipients Announced ➡️https://bit.ly/usdalumnihonorees2026

08/13/2026

🌟 A new cohort, a new chapter.

Last Saturday, BiGI welcomed its 4th cohort of rising 6th graders — celebrated by their families, the BiGI team and current students, who were also honored for continuing their journey as they move up to the next grade.

BiGI sees the brilliance in each one of its scholars, giving them the space to explore their interests and achieve their dreams. For dozens of new scholars, Saturday marked the start of a years-long, life-changing journey.

Read the full story to learn more about BiGI and the induction ceremony: https://hubs.la/Q04s_0990

San Diego Foundation

07/29/2026

Summer Highlights at CEEN!

This summer, the Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity (CEEN) hosted transformative programs designed to empower educators, students, and community members:

• Pilot Neurodiversity, Equity and Trauma-Informed Approaches (NETA) for Community College Professional Certificate Program (Cohort 2): As CEEN wraps up its second cohort, the team is gearing up for a Final Cohort Celebration, where participants will showcase how they're incorporating Dr. Niki Elliott's Embodied Inquiry 360 Framework into their work.

• Life Path Immersion Program (LPE): In partnership with San Marcos Unified School District, CEEN piloted an immersion experience for neurodiverse high school students and peer counselors — culminating in an inspiring visit to the USD campus! Students will continue engaging with the CEEN team monthly throughout the academic year.

• Heart Centered Connections Book Launch is Here! Dr. Niki Elliott's newly released book teaches best practices to support kids who are misunderstood and marginalized―those who are neurodivergent, have a learning disability, or are trauma survivors. They have extraordinary potential waiting to be unleashed. This profound literary work captures the essence of the work CEEN carries out every day at SOLES.

We're so proud of the CEEN team, our instructional and coaching support staff and everyone who participated this summer!

07/02/2026

SOLES on the global stage 🌍

Dean Kimberly White-Smith and Assistant Dean Linda Dews recently represented at the Third CLADEA European Congress, hosted by EM Normandie School of Business in Clichy, Paris, France.

Dean White-Smith took part in the opening plenary, sharing how student engagement can serve as a strategic pillar for reaching and supporting students who are often overlooked.

Assistant Dean Dews presented on co-creating academic knowledge with students, highlighting participatory teaching practices that build engagement, inclusion and belonging in the classroom.

This international engagement builds on SOLES’ partnership with CETYS Universidad and reflects our continued commitment to global collaboration and leadership in education. Proud to see SOLES represented on the world stage! 👏

06/26/2026

At the Edge of It All: The Power of Nonprofits in a Thriving Community

Nonprofits changed his life as a kid. Now he’s dedicated his career to giving back. 💙

As a kid, David Carter experienced firsthand how life-changing nonprofit support can be. Today, as Sr. Director of Strategy & Innovation at The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego , he’s channeling that experience into building stronger, more connected communities.

In this episode of “At the Edge of It All,” David opens up about his personal journey and shares the current impact of The Nonprofit Institute in the community, as well as practical ways everyone can play a role in supporting nonprofits — whether through donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.

Watch the full conversation https://www.sandiego.edu/newscenter/143422 or listen on Apple Podcast Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-nonprofits-in-a-thriving-community/id1644441847?i=1000772046428

06/24/2026

Congratulations to our alumni named 40 Under 40 finalists!

👉 Swipe to meet them.

✨ Dr. Amanda J. Corona, Director of Corporate Partnerships at UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management

✨ Dr. Novien Yarber, Senior Learning Officer at The Prebys Foundation — |

✨ Rashida Elimu, Director of Programs at

Their work spans education, philanthropy and child advocacy and it’s making San Diego and our communities better every day.

We’re so proud!

06/18/2026

This is what ARISE looks like. 👇

Hear it from the women who experienced ARISE last year and picture yourself there this September.

ARISE 2026 | September 15–18 | San Diego, CA

An exclusive 4-day retreat for women of color leading in business, education, healthcare and nonprofits.
Networking, workshops, wellness, cultural immersion, and a room full of change-makers in America’s Finest City.

Led by powerhouse women from USD SOLES 🎓

📍 Kona Kai Resort
📅 Sept 15–18, 2026

Spaces are limited.

🔗 Download the free brochure and register through the link in our bio.

Address

5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA
92110

Telephone

+16192604600

Website

http://www.sandiego.edu/soles

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